Space Psychology: A New Frontier. Implications for the Profession of Psychology.

Ponterotto, Joseph G.; Hayden, Davis C.

As many of the physical problems of space travel are solved, scientists are beginning to address the psychological needs of the astronauts. While the last decade has produced technological advances making space travel and work a definite possibility, psychologists and the public are largely unaware of the psychological and socio-psychological implications of space travel. Space psychology is a new field offering numerous applied and research opportunities for psychologists including personnel selection and in-flight and post-flight counseling. Counselors will be faced with new difficulties which only time and experience can solve. Additional training and skill development will be needed. Lessons learned from working with returning veterans and submarine sailors can be useful. Current National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) psychologists and those in parallel areas, e.g.,the armed services, should pool their expertise and begin training new students for work in this area. If psychologists and educators begin now to prepare for some of the changes brought about by space travel, human adjustment to space will proceed smoothly. (JAC)